Rupelmonde is one of the few villages along the Scheldt that touches directly the water. The historic core is located at a unique spot, with reminiscences of a rich past. Somehow these assets were lost during last decades. Therefore the city council elaborates a vision of the future, that uses the dynamics of an expected demographic growth as an opportunity to densify and transform specific sites in a coordinated way, with clear guidelines towards a sustainable urban renewal.

The city council of Kruibeke has appointed BUUR to translate this vision spatially and to develop the needed legal framework. The first phase calls for a masterplan and a development strategy for the entire village with a horizon 2030. Based on statistic expectations on demographic growth and acceptable densification models, a more detailed development program of majorly housing units is determined. Through research by design we develop smart densification proposals: the development is never a pure objective, but a mean to enable the creation and reinforcement of public infrastructures, both public spaces and building amenities. For example, the project development along the banks of the river aims to catalyse the construction of an accessible quay that will re-establish the lost historic connexion with the water, both visually and physically. Smaller developments can enable the realisation of a new, small network for soft mobility.

Initiatives to embrace the socio-cultural community turns the development strategy in a sustainable one. Projects for buildings are complemented by the creation of places to meet and to build community. Mobility interventions increase the quality of life in the village. Cars get offered a secondary place in the street layout, so to highlight the beautiful squares as shared spaces that serve people to celebrate the historic patrimony and unique city landscape.

From November 2015 on, the masterplan will be translated in several zoning plans.